Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Parents are often
overwhelmed by the challenges presented by a child with an autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). Studies indicate that the demands placed on parents caring
for a child with autism contribute to a higher overall incidence of parental
stress, depression, and anxiety and adversely affects family functioning and
marital relationships compared with parents of children with other
intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. Mothers of children with
ASD, in particular, appear to face unique challenges that potentially have an
impact on their health and wellbeing.

Parents of children with ASD are increasingly involved in the provision of early intervention and
learning activities to promote positive outcomes for their children. However,
several studies have documented that parental stress as well as a lack of time
and energy are barriers to providing early intervention activities. Because
autism impairs social relatedness and adaptive functioning, parent stress
can decrease helpful psychological processes and directly influence
the parent or caregiver’s ability to support the child with disabilities. Consequently,
understanding factors, such as lack of energy or fatigue that may limit the
capacity of the parent to assist in promoting their child’s development is
critical for this group.

Research

A study published in the
journal Autism examined
the extent to which parents experience fatigue and its relationship to other
aspects of wellbeing and parenting. Fifty mothers of children ages 2-5 years
with ASD participated in the study and completed questionnaires assessing level
of fatigue, parenting self-efficacy (belief about the ability to parent
successfully), children’s behavioral and emotional problems, sleep quality,
parent support needs, and overall physical activity. The study found that
compared with mothers of typically developing children, mothers of children
with ASD reported significantly higher fatigue, with overall scores in the
moderate range. Factors associated with high levels of fatigue were poor
maternal sleep quality, a high need for social support and poor quality of
physical activity. Fatigue was also significantly related to other aspects of
wellbeing, including stress, anxiety and depression, and lower parenting
efficacy and satisfaction.

These findings were somewhat
expected given the additional caregiving demands, parenting challenges and
pressures of managing family life when raising a child with an ASD. Likewise,
It is also probable that symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and worry
(body tension, increased heart rate and rumination) can be mentally taxing and contribute
to, or exacerbate fatigue. The researchers also note that it was not surprising
that poor sleep quality was associated with higher levels of fatigue given the
large amount of research indicating that inadequate sleep and poor sleep
quality is associated with a range of physical health and wellbeing
difficulties. Parents of children with ASD are at particular risk of sleep
disruption and poor sleep quality owing to the high rate of sleep problems in
their children. Parents reported that their child waking was the primary reason
for sleep disruption. For other parents in the study, stress, anxiety and not
being able to wind down were stated reasons for sleep disruption.

Implications

What are the implications
of this study? The findings clearly indicate the need for interventions to
specifically target parental fatigue and its impact on families affected by ASD
both in the present and longer term. In addition to interventions targeting
child sleep problems, parents are likely to benefit from psycho-education about
fatigue and its potential effects on wellbeing, parenting and caregiving. This
includes information about strategies to minimize and/or cope with the effects
of sleep disruption, increase health and self-care behaviors, and strengthen
opportunities for social support. It is well established that social support is
protective of optimal parent wellbeing and, therefore, is an important
component of any intervention to address fatigue and wellbeing of parents of
children with an ASD. Parents with limited assistance to share the daily
demands of caregiving and family life are likely to be at greater risk of
fatigue than parents with more support. For parents with limited support, there
might also be fewer opportunities to engage in self-care behaviors that are likely
to alleviate or protect them from fatigue.

From a clinical
perspective, professionals working with families of children with an ASD should
be aware of negative effects of fatigue in addition to other wellbeing
difficulties, such as stress and anxiety. An assessment of the presence and
severity of the physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms of fatigue, as well
as the perceived impact on daily functioning, mood, relationships, parenting
and other aspects of caregiving is important. Lastly, future work in this area
should involve the development and evaluation of information resources and
intervention approaches to assist parents of children with an ASD to manage
fatigue and promote their overall wellbeing. The longer-term benefits for
parents in terms of strengthening their overall health, wellbeing and parenting
should also be a focus of research.

A best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schoolsprovides a practical and accessible step-by-step guide to screening, assessing, and
educating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Written by a practicing school psychologist, this award-winning text is
grounded in the latest research and includes illustrative case examples, FAQs,
quick reference boxes, glossary, and an index to 50 evidence-based best
practice recommendations. It is an essential guide and valuable resource for
practitioners in school and clinical psychology, general and special education,
counseling, social work, and for graduate and pre-service students. Parents,
advocates, administrators, and attorneys will also find the content informative
and helpful. This text is a welcome addition to the reference libraries of all
who want to further their understanding of the identification and treatment of school-age
children with ASD. Highly
readable and comprehensive, this book sets the standard for those working with
students with ASD. This book makes also an ideal text or guide for
graduate-level training courses in psychology and special education, and has
become a widely used resource.

A Best Practice Guide… consists
of seven chapters. Chapter 1 begins with two case vignettes and a discussion of
the challenges facing school psychologists and educators. The reader is then
provided with an overview of Asperger syndrome and the autism spectrum
disorders (ASD). Chapter 2 focuses on the screening and identification of
children in need of further assessment. Instruments are
reviewed and a multi-step screening process described. Chapter 3 addresses
evidence-based assessment practices,
including individual instruments and a developmentally-based procedure. In
Chapter 4, the case examples are presented to illustrate best practice in the
assessment of ASD. Chapter 5 focuses on intervention practices
and describes current scientifically-based interventions and treatments for
ASD. Chapter 6 provides information on the identification of special
educational needs and specialized services. Chapter 7 concludes with a
discussion of the current status of the field and future directions for
research.

Autism Spectrum Quarterly calls
the book “a landmark contribution destined to become a classic in the field of
autism spectrum disorders” and comments, “Dr. Wilkinson has made an enormous
contribution to the field by comprehensively and systematically illuminating
not only what needs to be done, but also how to go about doing it. The book is
exquisitely and meticulously organized, making it an easy-to-access reference
guide as well as a comprehensive text book and training manual."

The Canadian Journal of School
Psychology remarks, "Overall, this book presents readers with an
excellent overview of autism and Asperger syndrome. The author has expertly
formatted the book and each chapter so that the reader is provided with an
excellent resource of recent and relevant information pertaining to screening,
formal assessment, and interventions with individuals in this population. The
use of two case studies helps to highlight some of the information presented
throughout the book. …many school-based professionals will be able to make use
of this excellent resource".

According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders "This
book provides a complete source for parents, educators, researchers and
clinicians seeking information related to assessment and interventions
available for individuals (mostly children) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD). The main reason the book stands out is the application of all
the discussed concepts in the two case examples of Jeremy and Sally. Dr.
Wilkinson presents a detail and person-centered approach to the stages and
issues that needs to be addressed while conducting an assessment and planning
interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD. Educators and clinicians can
make use of the detailed case examples as those may be applicable to their work
environment."

Ally4autism comments,
“Dr. Wilkinson has created an outstanding blend of academic research and
practical application in a text that is so clearly written it is a pleasure to
read for professionals and parents alike. His book concisely illustrates best
practices in screening, assessment, treatment and special education services.
Through case examples of two children, he demonstrates how these best practices
can be put into action. This book fills an important need that has existed for
years. Dr. Wilkinson has created an indispensable resource that should
definitely be in each school’s professional library.”

👉 A Best Practice Guide... was
named the Winner in the Education/Academic category of the 2011 Next Generation
Indie Book Awards and honored as an Award-Winning Finalist in the
Education/Academic category of the "Best Books Awards” sponsored by
USA Book News.

Total Pageviews

Top 50 Autism Blog Award

Translate

Welcome

Thank you for visiting bestpracticeautism.com

The objective of bestpracticeautism.com is to advocate, educate, and informby providing a best practice guide to the screening, assessment, and intervention for school-age children on the autism spectrum. Timely articles and postings include topics such as screening, evaluation, positive behavior support (PBS), self-management, educational planning, IEP development, gender differences, evidence-based interventions (EBI) and more. This site also features up-to-date information on scientifically validated treatment options for children with ASD and a list of best practice books, articles, and links to organizations. Designed to be a practical and useful resource, bestpracticeautism.com offers essential information for psychologists, teachers, counselors, advocates and attorneys, special education professionals, and parents.

Best Practice Guide

Praise for "A Best Practice Guide..."

“It is rare that one book can pack so many resources and easy to digest information into a single volume! Families, school personnel, and professionals all need the extensive, and up-to-date tips, guides, and ‘must-knows’ provided here. It’s obvious the author is both a seasoned researcher and practitioner – a winning combination.” - Dr. Debra Moore, psychologist and co-author with Dr. Temple Grandin, of The Loving Push: How Parents & Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adult

“Dr Wilkinson has done it again. This updated and scholarly Second Edition reflects important recent changes regarding diagnosis and services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With its numerous best-practice suggestions, it is a must-read for school psychologists, school social workers, and those who teach in general and special education.” - Dr Steven Landau, Professor of School Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Illinois State University

“This book is an essential resource for every educator that works with students with ASD! The easy-to-read format is complete with up to date research on evidence-based practices for this population, sample observation and assessment worksheets and case studies that allow the reader to apply the information presented.” - Gena P. Barnhill, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, LBA, Director of Special Education Programs at Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

Continuing Education (CE/CEU) Credit

Best Practice Autism Podcast

The Thrive with Apergers Podcast: Ovrecoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum

Disclaimer

BESTPRACTICEAUTISM.COM DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY TREATMENT, MEDICATIONS, OR THERAPIES FOR AUTISM. THE WRITTEN MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THIS SITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.